Several Chatham-Kent police officers and civilian members are being recognized for their heroic actions to save a woman's life.
Constables Nathan Pratt, Ryan Gardiner, Alex Mungar, Avery Wilson, Branden Grellmore, Marko Sapateiro, Joel Rehill, Rick Bertok, Sergeant Josh Flikweert, and Emergency Communication Operators Brock Bechard, Helen Grubb, Samantha Cowdrey, Danielle Bird, Jennifer Roesch, Tori Labadie, Keely Smith, McKenna Ladd, Brook-lyn Phelan, and Camryn Dudley are getting a Chief's Commendation for saving a suicidal woman on May 16, 2024.
Police received a call from a suicide hotline that day requesting a well-being check on a woman because she was planning to commit suicide.
Officers found her on top of the Charing Cross Road bridge that spans Highway 401 with both of her feet dangling over the edge following multiple 911 calls.
Several officers played various roles in shutting down the 401, blocking off Charing Cross Road, negotiating with the woman, and calling CK Fire (CKFD) to assist below the bridge.
CK Police Chief Kirk Earley said the coordinated efforts by everyone, good judgement, and teamwork contributed to the most desirable outcome.
"The risk of serious injury or death was very possible with the woman standing on a small ledge about 20 feet above a major highway," wrote the chief in his letter of commendation. "Within 30 minutes of arriving, Constables Gardiner and Bertok acted on an opportunity to secure the woman by grabbing her, removing her from the outer ledge, and bringing her to safety. From the outset, and throughout the entire response, the Emergency Communications Operators were instrumental in the positive outcome. They relayed vital information to officers, EMS, and CKFD. Despite the fact that this occurred during shift change, they continued to operate at peak performance."
The woman was taken to the hospital for assistance.
Chatham-Kent police officers dealt with the same woman the previous evening for similar suicidal threats and she was also taken to the hospital.
All involved will be presented with a Chief's Commendation on Tuesday at the CK Police Services Board meeting at police headquarters.